June 2011 - East Riding of Yorkshire Primary Care Trust

Cerebra welfare
From April 2011, those with severe
visual impairment will be eligible for
the higher rate mobility component
of DLA. A number of other welfare
changes have been put in train, with more
being discussed. To keep up with the
changes, see www.disabilityalliance.org/
fothcoming.htm. other areas with changes
include: Housing Benefit and Local Housing
Allowance; assessment for Employment and
Support Allowance for people on some
disability benefits that are being phased out;
new shared parental leave arrangements;
changes to pregnancy and maternity grants;
new student fee arrangements; short breaks
regulation and funding for disabled children
in England; changes to help with mortgages;
adjustments to child-related benefits and the
Child Trust Fund; adjustments to Tax Credits;
emergency food vouchers to be issued by
Changes to the benefit system
There have been news items and worried
talk amongst support groups and
organisations recently about the
Government’s changes to the benefits
system. If you are worried by all this there
are organisations that can help and advise
you: Contact a Family has friendly parent
advisers and welfare rights experts that
can help
you under
stand the
benefits
changes
and how
they will
MONEY MATTERS
jobcentreplus; Educational Maintenance
Allowance closed to new applicants;
work experience placements for 18 - 21
year olds; National Insurance credits for
certain relatives who help care for children
(e.g. grandparents) and other National
Insurance changes.
In February the Goverment announced
that from April 2013 there will be a benefit
cap imposed, so that no family will receive
total benefits that amount to more than
an average family income. Families with
certain disability benefits are expected to be
exempt. This policy may change again before
2013, on the other hand it is worth noting
because some families may need to plan
for a reduction in income. The legislation to
watch is the Welfare Reform Bill, which is
going through Parliament at the moment. It
is likely to apply to the whole of the UK.
affect you.
They also provide a benefits check
and make sure you’re getting every penny
you’re entitled to. Freephone 0808 808
3555. The National Autistic Society has a
benefits and community care service who
can advise adults/parent/carers of people on
the autistic spectrum.
www.autism.org.uk/en-gb/living-with
-autism/benefits-and-community-care.aspx
Mencap have launched a campaign against
the cuts to DLA Freephone 0808 808 1111
CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) can also
offer advice www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/
your_money/benefits.htm
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